2023-6 | FALKEN | Antigua-Bermuda

The Passage
Rough itinerary
All 59º North passages are very much subject to weather. We pick our routes based on the "correct" time of year to be sailing in the different regions we visit, and we always build-in enough time to give us some margin for weather windows. The skipper has final say on departure dates and weather windows, but generally speaking, the intinerary for this passage will look like this:
May 22, 2023
Crew arrive to FALKEN at in Falmouth, Antigua and Barbuda. FALKEN orientation followed by crew dinner. All crew stay onboard FALKEN.
Prep Days
Between the joining and departure dates, all pre-passage preparation, provisioning, and safety briefings will be completed. The specific pre-departure schedule will be outlined and posted onboard FALKEN by the skipper.
May 24, 2023
Scheduled departure, weather dependent.
May 31, 2023
Latest date (12:00 noon) for crew to depart FALKEN from St. Georges, Bermuda.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
Falmouth
Falmouth is a charming port town located on the south coast of Antigua, part of the Caribbean's Leeward Islands. It sits on the edge of one of the island’s most beautiful natural harbors, Falmouth Harbour, which has a rich maritime history and remains a hub for yachting and sailing events. Though small, the town has a lively atmosphere, often filled with yachts, cruisers, and locals enjoying the warm Caribbean air.
The south coast is known for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters, perfect for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Falmouth is a great starting point for exploring Antigua’s quieter side, where you’ll find lush hills, hidden beaches, and plenty of nature to hike or explore. The island is renowned for its colonial architecture, with historic forts and landmarks to discover. Whether you're looking to relax on pristine beaches, explore historic sites, or enjoy water activities like snorkeling and sailing, Falmouth offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. For more details on visiting Falmouth and Antigua, visit antigua-barbuda.org.
Airport Info
The airport in Antigua is V. C. Bird International Airport, located on the north side of the island, close to the main town St. John’s. Local taxi is the best way to get to Falmouth Harbor and can be arranged when you get to Antigua. FALKEN will either be on anchor, or located in one of the marinas.
St. Georges
St. George’s, the capital of Grenada, is a picturesque port city nestled between lush hills and the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Known for its stunning harbor, vibrant markets, and colonial architecture, St. George’s offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. The historic waterfront is lined with colorful buildings, and the bustling spice market is a must-visit for those looking to sample the island’s famous nutmeg and other local spices.
St. George’s is also surrounded by tropical gardens, beaches, and hiking trails, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re exploring Fort George, relaxing on Grand Anse Beach, or enjoying local seafood, St. George’s offers an authentic taste of Grenadian charm.
For more information, visit grenadagov.gd.
Airport Info
L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) is located about 20 minutes drive from St. George’s and is the only airport on the island, with flights from North America, the UK, and Canada.
Weather conditions
I don't have access to weather data or forecasts for that specific route and date, so I can't accurately describe the expected conditions for this passage. Making up weather details for a real voyage wouldn't be safe or honest.
In-depth analysis, by WRI
WHY 59º NORTH?
The best boats
We take pride in the maintenance of all of our boats, and hold ourselves to extremely high standards. We buy sails that will last for tens of thousands of miles, while holding their shape (unlike standard dacron); we carry lithium battery banks with high-output alternators so there's less time running the engine to charge at sea and killing the vibe; we carry enough sails to sail the boat to the conditons, whether that's heavy weather or light weather, to give you the full experience.
Professional, well-paid staff
Adventure sailing is the highest calling for most aspiring skippers who truly want to sail. Unlike superyachts, who spend most of their time in port, we spend most of our time at sea, and the reasl sailors who want to work in that envrionment are attracted to it.
Sadly, the industry-standard pay is extremely low, and offers little in the way of a safety net, or provisions for having family back home. We want to change that.
All of our professional staff are paid well above industry rates, and we sail on rotations of usually 6-week stints, so those of us with families and small kids ashore can be present as parents and partners while still living our dreams.
The truth is, most of us would do this job for free, and that's part of the "supply & demand" that sets the salary rates in our industry.
But at 59º North we value people above all else, and that starts with our staff, many of whom have been with us for years and will be familiar faces to those who return to sail with us again and again.
knowledge & community
When you sign-on to sail with us, your journey to ocean sailing starts the minute you click "Submit" on your signup form when we start the preparation process with you to go to sea. That includes:
- Extended FREE trial in our Quarterdeck seam'nship community & knowledge-base.
- Series of 3 newsletters leading up to your passage, including specific packing lists, gear discounts with our partners (including 25% off everything at Helly Hansen).
- 1-1 comms with Andy, Mia & August and our skippers if you have any questions before your trip.
Once you join the boat, you'll see why people sail with us again and again. But your experience doesn't end when the passage is over. You'll get:
- Exclusive earned patches for different milestones you've earned with us at sea.
- Sea-service letter/signed logbook if you're looking to earn miles towards a license.
- A final newseletter with photos and other useful information, including a copy of the handwritten logbook you kept while on the boat.
Why it costs what it costs...
We know there are less expensive ways to cross an ocean.
We choose to invest in full-time, properly paid professional skippers, small crews, meticulous maintenance, and extensive preparation because we believe those things create a better offshore experience.
If you’re looking for the cheapest miles, we’re probably not the right fit.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, we're confident you’ll notice the difference.
THE BOAT


Farr 65
'
FALKEN
'
🇬🇧
FALKEN is ideally set up for long-distance offshore sailing. We fully rebuilt the boat in 2022 to our exacting specifications and with the help of legendary yacht designer Bob Perry. She's comfortable belowdecks and each crew has their own dedicated sea berth & gear locker. On deck she has a huge cockpit which easily seats 10 people for our daily meals offshore, and allows for plenty of room to move about when handling lines and trimming sails. She's also easy to maintain, fast and fun to sail! FALKEN sails with 8 crew plus a Skipper & Mate and the occasional apprentice.











